None but the Lonely Heart:\n
The Strange Story of Tchaikovsky and Madame von Meck\nElayne P. Bernstein Theatre\n July 18 – August
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An innovative fusion of drama and live music\n by Eve Wolf\ndirected by Donald T. Sanders\na p
roduction of Ensemble for the Romantic Century\nfeaturing Jonathan E
pstein and Ariel Bock

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Shakespeare & Company is pleased to present
None But The Lonely Heart: The Strange Story of Tchaikovsky and Mada
me von Meck\, a special engagement with New York’s groundbreaking
Ensemble for the Romantic Century\, in an original theatrical concert that
interweaves drama with live chamber music including Tchaikovsky’s Piano T
rio in A minor\, violin scherzo\, and some of his most moving songs. If Tc
haikovsky’s strange relationship with his patroness Madame von Meck hadn’t
actually happened\, Hollywood would have had to invent it. Long time Comp
any actors Ariel Bock and Jonathan Epstein\, who have both performed with
Ensemble for the Romantic Century\, team up once again to bring this fasci
nating glimpse into the real Tchaikovsky and an enduring and enigmatic lov
e that defied all convention.

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“So much of Shakespeare’s work is fi
lled with music and songs\,” says Simotes. “Many of which have inspired do
zens of operas\, musicals and classical composers. Having the Ensemble for
the Romantic Century as part of the mix this summer just seemed like a pe
rfect fit with our programming. This presentation in particular brings not
only two of our top actors into the roles\, but it’s also such a poignant
and magical blend of powerful language and striking music. We hope audien
ces will delight in this special presentation as we look forward to future
collaborations.”

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Eve Wolf\, Executive Artistic Director with Ense
mble for the Romantic Century agrees.

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“ERC is thrilled to appear a
t Shakespeare & Company in our signature form of drama\, in which live mus
ic plays such a central role\,” said Wolf . “In this production\, audience
s will have a chance to hear the actual words\, feelings and thoughts of T
chaikovsky. The central musical work\, his Trio in A minor\, is a drama in
itself! In addition there are his expressive songs and a brilliant violin
scherzo. With the actors and musicians on stage at the same time\, the ch
emistry is visceral. I don’t want to give the plot away\, but even while I
am playing the piano during the performance I am drawn into this compelli
ng story and keep my handkerchief nearby. To me\, Tchaikovsky is the epito
me of passion in music.”